There are upfront costs when installing a home solar power system. Grants, incentive programs and micro-generation credits can help balance this initial investment over time.
The average cost of a solar power system for a home that typically consumes between 600 to 800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month is $12,000 to $20,000. This includes the cost of the equipment, installation, permitting and commission/electrification and does not account for any savings from grants or incentives. Installing a smaller home solar power system can partially offset consumption and is often a better fit for a homeowner's budget. As time passes, more solar modules can be added.
Applying for solar grants can help balance these costs.
The condition of a home’s roof, any required electrical upgrades, or other project-specific considerations may affect the overall cost.
Any surplus power generated by a home solar power system is “sold” back to the grid to create a micro-generation credit on a homeowner’s monthly utility bill. Micro-generation credits only occur when a home solar power system is connected to the grid.
Excess solar power is most often seen during the sunnier summer months and for home solar power systems sized to offset most or all of a household’s monthly electricity consumption. Home solar power systems cannot be sized with the capacity to generate more electricity than is used by a household annually.
Installing a smaller solar power system can help partially offset energy consumption from the grid and may or may not result in excess power generation.
For those considering solar, there are grant and incentive programs available to help offset costs for recipients.
Installing a home solar power system introduces a new measurable source of energy onto a monthly utility bill, often as a credit during sunnier months. Other line items on a monthly bill will also change as a result of adding home solar.
If your goal is to install enough panels to match your annual energy consumption, the average cost for a home that typically consumes between 600 to 800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month is $12,000 to $20,000. This includes the cost of the equipment, installation, permitting and commission/electrification and does not account for any savings from grants or incentives.
The condition of your roof, any required electrical upgrades, or other project-specific considerations may affect the cost.
Applying for solar grants can help offset these costs.
Installing a smaller solar power system can help partially offset your energy consumption from the grid. This may be a better fit for your budget; and, as time passes, you can always add solar modules to your system.
There are a lot of things to consider when trying to determine whether and at what point the upfront costs of your home solar power system may be offset. Generally, a return on your investment takes at least 10 to 15 years if the system performs as expected. Incentive programs, grants and purchase terms such as financing affect this timeframe.
A return on investment may not be possible for all consumers. Performance of a solar system and the associated financial considerations are dependent on a variety of factors including but not limited to sunlight and weather, the presence of obstructions, governing laws, performance of the equipment, the condition of the roof, prevailing utility rates, and the availability of incentives and rebate programs.
Using a solar power system to generate electricity can help you save the money you would typically pay for the electricity you consume. Depending on the size of your system, you may be able to offset all or a portion of your monthly electricity usage. Because your system is still connected to the grid, you’ll need to pay for other charges such as Transmission and Distribution, applicable taxes and similar fees.
If you create more electricity than you consume, that surplus is sold to the grid at the same rate as you pay for incoming electricity to create a credit. If your credit is higher than your monthly bill total, any savings are rolled over month-to-month.
Solar is a great choice for those whose homes meet a simple list of criteria. The following checklist can help determine if solar is right for you:
If you believe solar could work for you, please contact us at solarsupport@enmax.com or 310-2010 to learn more.
General solar system, micro-generation credit and billing questions:
Phone: 310-2010 or 1-877-571-7111 (Outside Alberta)
Current ENMAX solar lease customers:
solarsupport@enmax.com
ENMAX Power micro-generation applications:
DERConnect@enmax.com
ENMAX Power meter exchanges or general metering inquiries:
TRAC@enmax.com
Customers are free to purchase natural gas services or electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310-4822 (toll free in Alberta).
For new services, transfers or renewals, please call 310-2010 or click here to self serve online.